T<^ 



SB 761 

.F4 

Qq I University of the State of New York 



BULLETIN 



or THE 



New York State Museum 

Frederick J. H. Merrill, Director 

VOL. 6, No. 27. 

May 1899 



SHADK TREK F»ESXS 

IN 

NEW YORK STATE 



By 

EPHRAIM PORTER FELT, D. Sc. 

State Entomoloo-ist 



ALBANY 

UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK 
1899 

Mssm-Mygg-sooo Pricc 5 cents 



University of the State of New York 



REGENTS 

YEAR 

1874 Anson Judd Upson, D. D. LL. D. L. H. D. 

Chancellor, Glens Falls 

1892 William Croswell Doane, D. D. LL. D. 

Vice- Chancellor, Albany 
1873 Martin L Townsend, M.A. LL.D. _ _ _ Troy 

1877 Chauncev M. Depew, LL. D, _ _ _ New York 

1877 Charles E. Fitch, LL. B. M. A. L. H. D. - Rochester 

1877 Orris H. Warren, D. D. - - - - Syracuse 

1878 Whitelaw Reid, LL. D. - - - - - New York 
1 88 1 William H. Watson, M. A. M. D. - - Utica 

1 88 1 Henry E, Turner _-_-__ Lowville 
1883 St Clair McKelwav, LL. D. L. H. D. D. C. L. Brooklyn 
1885 Hamilton Harris, Ph. D. LL. D. - - - Albany 
1885 Daniel Beach, Ph. D. LL. D, - - - Watkins 
1888 Carroll E. Smith, LL. D. _ _ _ _ Syracuse 

1890 Pliny T. Sexton, LL. D. - - - - Palmyra 
1890 T. Guilford Smith, M. A. C. E. - - - Buffalo 

1893 Lewis A. Stimson, B. A. M. D. _ _ _ New York 

1894 Sylvester M alone ______ Brooklyn 

1895 Albert Vander Veer, M. D. Ph. D. - - Albany 
1895 Charles R. Skinner, LL. D. 

Superintendent of Public Instruction, ex officio 
1897 Chester S. Lord, M. A. - - - - - Brooklyn 
1897 Timothy L. Woodruff, M. A. Lieutenant-Governor, ex officio 
1899 Theodore Roosevelt, B. A. Governor, ex officio 
1899 John- T. McDonough, LL. B. Secretary of State, ex officio 



SECRETARY 

Melvil Dewey, M. A. 



DIRECTORS OF DEPARTMENTS 

1890 James Russell Parsons jr, M. A. College andHigh school depots 
1888 Melvil Dewey, M. A. State library and Home Education 
1890 Frederick J. H. Merrill, Ph. D. State tnuseum 



University of the State of New York 



BULLETIN 



OF THE 



New York State Museum 

Frederick J. H. Merrill, Director 

VOL. 6 No. 27 
^ May 1899 



SHADK TREK RESXS 

IN 

NEW YORK STATE 



By 
EPHRAIM PORTER f'ELT, D. Sc. 

State Entomologist 



ALBANY 

university of the state of new YORK 

1899 






CONTENTS 



PAGE 

Introductory 41 

Injuries to trees 41 

Object of bulletin 41 

White marked tussock moth, Notolophiis leucostigma 41 

Characteristics 42 

Life history 43 

Remedies 43 

Elm leaf beetle, Galenicella hiteola 44 

Characteristics 44 

Remedies 45 

Elm bark louse, Gossyparia iilmi 46 

Characteristics 46 

Remedies 46 

Tent caterpillars, Clisiocampa disstria : Clisioca/ipa amcricana 46 

Characteristics 47 

Life history 47 

Remedies 47 

Fall web worm, Hyphantria cunea 48 

Remedies 49 

Borers in trunk and limbs 49 

Indications of attack 49 

Elm and maple borers 49 

Pigeon Tremex 50 

Leopard moth 50 

Remedies . . 51 

Cottony maple tree scale insect, Piilvinaria innumerabilis 52 

Remedies 52 

Value of our native birds , 52 

Spraying trees 53 

Rules for spraying 53 

Proper apparatus 54 

Arsenical compounds 55 

Contact insecticides 56 

Explanation of plates 57 

Index 59 






SHADE TREE PESTS IN NEW YORK STATE 

The annual depredations of the white marked tussock moth, the severe 
injuries inflicted by the forest tent caterpillar not only on forest trees and 
sugar orchards but also on shade trees, the insidious work of wood and 
bark borers and the extreme destructiveness of the elm leaf beetle, 
have all combined to emphasize the vital importance of protecting shade 
trees in the cities and villages of this state. 

Injuries to trees. Some idea of the destructive powers of shade 
tree pests may be gamed by examining their past history. Albany and 
Troy have each lost over a thousand magnificent trees in the last five 
years through the work of the elm leaf beetle and its associates. The 
ehns were not only defoliated once, but a second crop of leaves was 
frequently stripped from the trees, thus causing speedy death. About 
nine years ago thousands of trees were killed in Brooklyn, N. Y., by the 
maple tree scale insect, and last year it was so abundant as to inflict 
much damage in many localities. The white marked tussock moth 
yearly defoliates many valuable trees, iu spite of the fact that a few well 
directed efforts would keep it in check. In most cases no effort is made 
to control the outbreak of an insect till it has about passed the remedial 
stage. That is, the insect has nearly completed its growth and therefore 
can not be poisoned through its food, or else the fohage is so completely 
devoured that there is very little to poison. Those interested in the wel- 
fare of trees, should be posted in regard to their principal insect enemies 
and be prepared to give their trees adequate protection. 

Object of bulletin. The aim of this bulletin is to present in con- 
cise form the characteristics of the more destructive species attacking 
our principal shade trees, both through descriptions and figures, and to 
indicate methods of controlling them. If the insect does not agree with 
any of those described in the following pages, examples should be sub- 
mitted to the state entomologist and the proper method of controlling 
it learned. In case of a very severe attack, it would probably be wiser 
to fight on general principles and ascertain more in regard to it later, 
for a host of caterpillars can cause irreparable damage in a few days if 
left alone. It is much easier to control insects than to subdue them 
after they have obtained a good start. 

WHITE MARKED TUSSOCK MOTH 

Notolophiis leucostigma Sm. and Abb. 
This species feeds readily on elm and maple leaves, displaying a 
special preference for those of horse chestnut and linden, and frequently 
does considerable damage. Last year it was a scourge in some cities of 
this state. 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Characteristics. The caterpillar has a coral red head, a pair of long 
black i)lumes just over it, a single one at the opposite extremity of the 
body, four delicate yellowish or white brush-like tufts on the back, and 
just behind them, separated only by a segment, two small, retractile, red 
elevations. Along the back, except for the tubercles and tufts, there is a 
broad black band bordered by yellowish tubercles. A black line 
indicates the position of the spiracles or breathing pores, and below this 
latter line it is yellow, the legs being paler (fig. i, a). This gives the 




OMEIOeMAN S.C 



Fig. I White marked tussock moth, a, larva; /;, female pupa; r, male pupa; </, c, male moth; 
y, female moth; ^, same ovipositing; /;, egg mass; ?', male cocoons; k, female oocoons, with moths 
laying eggs— all slighUy enlarged (after Howard [Division entomology], U. S. Dep't agriculture, 
year book, 1895). 

general appearance of the caterpillar when it is half or two thirds 
grown, and at a time when its depredations begin to be apparent. 
The recently hatched larva is a pale yellowish or whitish creature with 
long, irregular hairs. As it feeds, increases in size and casts its skin 
from time to time, one after another of the characteristics of the full 
grown larva are assumed. 



SHADE TREE PESTS 43 

When maturity is reached, the larvae spin their tliin cocoons in the 
crevices of the bark (fig. i, /), interweaving their long hairs, and within 
this shelter transform to yellowish white pupae more or less shaded with 
dark brown or black (fig. i, b, ^). 

The difference between the sexes is strikingly shown by comparing 
in figure i, r/ and <?, illustrations of the male, with /, that of the female. 
The former is a beautiful moth with large feathery antennae, the legs 
tufted, and the wings and body delicately marked with several shades of 
gray and grayish white. On the other hand the female is a nearly uni- 
form gray, with simple antennae and but rudimentary wings. 

After remaining from lo to 15 days in the pupa state, the wingless 
female emerges and deposits her eggs on the empty cocoon under a con- 
spicuous white mass of frothy matter (fig. i, /i, /C'), which soon hardens 
and forms a very effective protection. The individual egg is nearly 
spheric, about ./g in. in diameter, white or yellowish white, and with a 
light brown spot surrounded by a ring of the same color. 

Life history. The winter is passed in the egg state, the young, 
emerging about the latter part of May in this latitude, feed on the under 
side of the leaves at first and complete their growth in about a month, 
the transformation to the pupa state occurring the latter part of June and 
early in July. In Albany there is normally but one annual generation, 
but in New York city and vicinity there are two broods each season. 

Remedies. The simplest and most satisfactory remedy is found in 
gathering and destroying the egg masses. As the eggs are in a com- 
pact mass, which is conspicuous and readily torn from the supporting 
cocoon, either by hand or by some form of a scraper, the task is quickly 
and easily performed. On account of the females being wingless, a tree 
once thoroughly cleaned will not become reinfested very soon if larvae 
are not abundant near by, and even then a band of loose cotton bound 
tightly around the trunk will prevent their ascending and a consequent 
reinfestation. This band is of value only when the tree is clean, and 
has not the slightest effect on caterpillars already in the trees unless 
they are shaken down. Only the eggs should be collected and de- 
stroyed, otherwise many beneficial parasites would be killed in cocoons 
not bearing egg masses. The egg masses may be collected any time 
after their deposition in the summer and prior to their hatching in 
the spring. The best time is in early spring just before the leaves 
appear, as this gives an opportunity for parasites to escape before the 
cocoons are touched and the absence of leaves facilitates the detection 
of the egg masses. In Rochester, N. Y., prizes were offered in 1894 to 
the school children gathering the largest number of egg masses with 



44 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 

most excellent results. In cities and villages where this insect is the only- 
important enemy of shade trees, this system or the payment of a bounty 
on eggs collected would undoubtedly result in the pest being kept in 
subjection at a comparatively small outlay. It may also be controlled 
by spraying, which will be discussed under a separate heading. 

ELM LEAF BEETLE 

Galerucella luteola Miill. 

Along the Hudson river valley as far north as Troy, this insect is the 
worst enemy of the elms, specially the European forms, though under 
certain conditions it may inflict much injury on the American elms. So 
far as known, tliis pest has not made its way to any great distance from 
the Hudson river in this state, excepting on Long Island. 

Characteristics. The elm leaf beetle is about \ inch long with 
the head, thorax and margins of the wing covers a reddish yellow. The 
coal black eyes and median spot of the same color on the head are 
prominent. Its other black and yellowish or yellowish green markings 
may be made out by aid of figure 2, plate i. They are usually constant 
in the adult, but the colors are quite variable during life and change 
more or less after death. In some beetles emerging from winter 
quarters, the conspicuous greenish yellow stripes of the wing covers are 
nearly black. In the early spring the beetles are found in houses, 
sheds and other shelters where they pass the winter. On the appear- 
ance of the foliage, from about the first to the middle of May, the 
beetles fly to the trees and, after eating roundish holes (pi. 2, fig. i) for 
some time, deposit their yellowish eggs in irregular rows side by side, 
forming clusters of from 5 to 26 or more (pi. i, fig. 3), over half the 
total number of eggs laid being deposited between about the loth and 
20th day after oviposition begins, comparatively few being laid from 
the 20th lo the 30th days. 

The young grubs (pi. i, fig. 4), about .}-^ inch long and well pro- 
vided with black tubercles and rather long hairs of the same color, 
appear early in June and feed only on the under surface of the leaves 
(pi. 2, fig. 2). They complete their growth in from 15 to 20 days 
and the mature ones (pi. i, fig. 5) may be recognized by the broad 
yellow stripe dorsally and a narrower stripe of the same color on 
each side, the yellow stripes being separated by broad dark bands 
thickly set with tubercles bearing short, dark colored hairs. The full 
grown larvae or grubs descend the trees and transform to orange 
yellow pupae (pi. 1, fig. 7) in the crevices of the larger limbs and trunks, 
and on the ground around the base of the trees, where they sometimes 



SHADE TREE PESTS 45 



form layers nearly half an inch deep. In such places they change to 
beetles in five or more days. Up to 1894 this was supposed to complete 
the life history of the insect in this latitude, but that year the late 
Dr Lintner discovered the presence of a second brood and subsequent 
observations have not only demonstrated this to be the rule but that 
under exceptional circumstances there may even be a partial third 
generation. The grubs of the second generation are destructive m 
August. The development of the first brood is governed to some 
extent by local conditions, and later in the summer there is considerable 
diversity even on trees of the same street. The bulk of the larvae may 
be pupating under some elms, while on others Lumerous eggs and young 
may be found. The various stages of this insect are passed so rapidly 
that close observation and a ready adaptation to conditions are necessary 
in attempting to control it. 

Remedies. Since the beetles fly into the trees each spring, the 
application of bands of any substance around the trunk will not have the 
slightest effect in preventing attack. A band is of value only when it 
keeps an insect not already in the tree from ascending the trunk. 
Sticky fly paper has been placed around trees attacked by elm leat 
beetles and many of the descending grubs were captured, but the 
number killed is but a drop in the bucket compared with the host that 
transform in safety above. The grubs may also be killed in large 
numbers as they lie in masses around the trunk. But even this can be 
considered as but a palliative measure, for a considerable proportion 
must escape, and as the beetles are so prolific (one may deposit over 600 
eggs), it requires comparatively few to cause serious injury. Another 
so called remedy is plugging the aftlicted trees with sulfur or other 
compound. The idea being to introduce into the trunk, where it will be 
taken up by the sap, some substance which will not injure the tree and 
yet kill the insects, or at least render the foliage distasteful to them. It 
is a plausible theory but has no foundation in fact. The only thoroughly 
satisfactory treatment for this insect is found in spraying the foliage with 
some arsenical compound. The method of doing this will be treated of 
more fully on following pages. 



46 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 

ELM BARK LOUSE 

Gossyparia uli/ii Geof. 
Elms along the Hudson river are unfortunate in suffering from a bark 
louse, which, like the elm leaf beetle, is an imported insect and prefers 
European elms. 

Characteristics. The affected trees are easily recognized in mid- 
summer by their blackened appearance, which is caused by the growth 
of a fungus in the honey dew excreted by the bark louse and covering 
the foliage, limbs and ground beneath. In sunlight, minute drops of the 
secretion may be seen falling in showers from the clusters of insects, 
giving an idea of the drain this species must be upon the vitality of an 
elm. The limbs which have harbored this bark louse for a few years 
begin to die, the tree itself shows signs of weakness, and when it is at- 
tacked by both the elm leaf beetle and this bark louse, succumbs shortly. 

The adult females are rather conspicuous and may be found on the 
under side of the smaller branches, frequently clustered in masses and 
appearing not unlike certain lichens (pi. 2, fig. 3). In June each is 
about n, ''^ch long, oval in outline, with the extremities slightly pointed, 
and if crushed causes a reddish stain from the contained ova. The body 
is surrounded by a mass of white, woolly secretion and the segmenta- 
tion is also indicated by the same substance. The minute yellow young 
make their appearance early in July and soon settle for a time on the 
greener twigs and along the principal veins of the leaves. In the autumn 
the back of the partly grown bark louse is covered with spiny processes 
secreting a white waxy matter. At this time most of the insects forsake 
the leaves and settle for the winter in crevices of the bark. In the early 
spring activity is resumed and the round of life completed. 

Remedies. As this insect is one of the sucking forms, securing its 
nourishment through slender hair like mouth parts from the under-lying 
tissues of the bark, its food can not be poisoned and recourse must be 
had to contact insecticides, as will be explained later. 

TENT CATERPILLARS 

Clisiocampa disstria Hiibn.: Clisiocampa americana Fabr. 

Complaints are received each spring of injuries to maples and other 
shade trees by caterpillars. Examples submitted show that the offender 
is more frequently the forest tent caterpillar, though occasionally its 
near relative, the apple tree tent caterpillar, may be a partner in the mis- 
chief. 



SHADE TREE PESTS 



47 



Characteristics. The caterpillars of the two species may be readily 
distinguished. The forest tent caterpillar has a blue head and a row of 
ID silvery white spots down the back, as represented in figure 2. The 
apple tree tent caterpillar has a black head with a bluish white stripe 
along the back. The former spins its web against the bark of a tree 



v^^^'VA 



iv\ \Vw 





Fig. 3 Forest 
tent caterpillar 
(after Riley). Fig. 3 .\pple tree tent caterpillars and nest (.after RileyV 

and on this account its threads are frequently overlooked, while the 
conspicuous tents (tig. 3) of the latter are familiar objects in many orchards 
and in wild cherry trees along the roailside. 

Life history. The life histories of these two species are quite similar. 
The eggs which are deposited in broad belts in June or July around the 
smaller twigs, those of each species being easily distinguished from the 
other (see fig 4, 5"), do not usually hatch till spring. The caterpillars 
ajipear early and (c<^(:\ most voraciously, the forest tent caterpillar com- 
pleting its growth in June or the first of July, while the other matures a 
little earlier. The moths emerge the latter half of June or the first half 
of July and deposit their eggs from which caterpillars come aiunher 
spring. 

Remedies. I'lie caterpillars of both oi these species are very sus- 
ceptible to arsenical poisons and can be readily controlled by spray- 
ing, as will be described later. In case the expense attendant upon this 



48 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



^?1 



operation is too great, something may be done by jarring the caterpillars 
from the trees, first applying a broad sticky band, e. g., tar on thick 
building paper, tangle foot fly paper, etc., or a band of loose cot- 
ton around the trunk so as to prevent the dislodged enemy from 
ascending. The jarring can be performed best on a bright day when 

the caterpillars are feeding on the leaves, 
as they are then much more easily dis- 
turbed. Send a boy into the tree with a 
padded mallet with instructions to begin 
near the top and jar the depredators from 
the limbs. Those hanging persistently 
by long threads may be swept down with 
a pole. Kill the caterpillars as they as- 
semble below the sticky band in order 
to guard against their bridging it when 
present in numbers, and repeat the jar- 
ring at intervals of a day or two till the 
trees are comparatively free from the 
pests. The caterpillars of the white 
marked tussock moth can also be 
treated in this manner. Many forest 
tent caterpillars can be killed by spray- 
ing with kerosene emulsion when they 
assemble in large masses on the lower 
limbs and trunks for the purpose of 
molting. At this time, they may also be 
brushed down or forced to drop by the 
judicious use of a torch. Apple tree tent caterpillars, on account of 
their remaining during damp or cold weather in their webs, can easily 
be removed and destroyed at these times. 



Fig. 4 Egg belt 
of forest tent cat- 
erpillar, showing 
a few exposed 
eggs, enlarged. 



Fig. 5 Egg belt 
of apple tent cater- 
pillar, enlarged. 



FALL WEB WORM 



Hyphantria amea Drury 

During the latter part of August in this latitude, conspicuous webs 
are frequently seen inclosing the tips of branches of many trees, each 
web containing brown skeletonized leaves. This is the work of the fall 
web worm and may be easily distinguished from that of the apple tree 
tent caterpillar not only because they occur later in the season but the 
tips of the branches are inclosed and the caterpillars feed within the 
webs, while those of the common apple tree species use the web only as 
a retreat when not feeding. 



SHADE TREE PESTS 4 

Remedies. These gregarious caterpillars are easily destroyed within 
the web by removing and burning the infested portion of the limb. 
They can also be controlled by the use of poisons. 

BORERS IN TRUNK AND LIMBS 

There are several very injurious borers infesting the trunks and branches 
of elm and maple trees, and since they work under the bark or within 
the wood, it is extremely difficult to control them. 

Indications of attack. The presence of these insidious enemies 
is usually indicated by one or more dead branches and a more or less 
sickly appearance 
of the tree. Bor- 
ings or "saw dust" 
may be found 
around the base 
of the tree in some 
instances, and in 
bad attacks large 
patches of loose 
bjrk may be 
found. On re- 
moving or cutting 
into the bark, the 
familiar work of 
borers is exposed 
(Pl- 3, fig- 3)> and 
the white, usually 
legless, somewhat 
flattened grubs 
may be seen ly- 
ing in their bur- ^'^ *•• P'Seon Tremex; «, larva showing: the Thalessa larva fastened 
, to its side; b, head of larva; c, pupa of female; d, male pupa; 

*-'^^^* e, adult female— all slightly enlarged. 

Elm and maple borers. The parent of the maple tree borer, 
Plagionotiis speciosus Say, is a handsome black beetle with yellow mark- 
ings and is represented on plate 3, figure i. The adult of the more 
common of the elm tree borers, Saperda tridentata Oliv., is a slaty 
colored beetle with dull reddish markings and is represented on plate 3, 
figure 2. The thick fleshy grubs of several curculios or weevils are 
sometimes found in numbers just beneath the bark of elms and occasion- 
ally cause considerable injury. 




so 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



Pigeon Tremex. The larva of another insect known as the pigeon 
Tremex, Tremex colinnba Linn., or horn tail, runs large burrows through 
the wood of elms and other trees, specially those which have been weak- 
ened by the attack of some other insect. Its various stages are repre- 




Fig. 7 Leopard moth : a, /), dorsal and lateral aspects of caterpillar ; <., d, male and female 
moths ; e, burrow of caterpillar (after Pike). 



sented in figure 6. The female is a magnificent brown insect with 
yellowish markings and is occasionally found attached to a tree by its 
inserted ovipositor. 

Leopard moth. In the vicinity of New York city there is another 
borer very injurious to elms and maples. It is the caterpillar of the 
leopard moth, Zeuzera pyrina Fabr., a species which has recently made 
its way to our shores and is proving a serious pest. This insect and its 
work may be recognized by the accompanying illustration, the molh 
being white marked with black. 



SHADE TREE PESTS 51 

Remedies. One of the best preventives of borers is to maintain the 
trees in a flourishing condition. The prompt removal and destruction, 
in order that no insects may escape to propagate their kind, of infested 
trees or limbs will do much to keep these pests under control, and in the 
case of those suffering from a severe attack, is almost the only remedy. 
The handsome beetles of the maple tree borer are abroad during June, 
July and August, their eggs being deposited the latter two months. The 
adults of the elm borer may be found during May and June, the eggs 
being laid the latter month. If the attack has not proceeded too far 
and the trees are of sufficient value, a considerable degree of protection 
will probably be obtained by coating the trunk of the maple and 
the trunk and larger limbs of the elm with a solution of soft soap and 
carbolic acid during the period these beetles deposit eggs, thus prevent- 
ing further infestation. This solution may be applied either as a spray 
or with brushes and should be renewed as often as washed off by rains 
during the period of oviposition. In the case of more valuable trees, 
specially those infested with the fleshy grubs of curculios or weevils, it may 
pay in some instances to shave away the bark over the infested portions, 
till living tissues are reached, and kill the borers by the application of kero- 
sene emulsion, and then protect the treated areas from drying by applying a 
coating of some thick, adhesive substance, e. g. a mixture of cow dung and 
lime, grafting wax or other substance. Experiments conducted in 
France have shown that much more of the bark may be removed, even 
strips two inches wide, and the trees not only recovered but the borers 
were killed by the vigorous growth made in the effort to heal the wounds. 
In case of very severe attacks, this would certainly be worth trying. 
The best results would probably be obtained if the operation was per- 
formed in the spring. The pigeon Tremex works so deeply in the wood, 
that little can be done to arrest its attack, but fortunately it infests only 
sickly trees, as a rule, and therefore simply aids in the final destruction 
of a tree. 

Serious injury by the leopard moth can only be prevented, in regions 
where it occurs, by constant watchfulness. Indications of its presence 
should lead to immediate examination and the digging out of the borer 
or the destruction of the infested limb. Some of the more valuable 
trees in the parks of New York city are protected from this pest by kill- 
ing the caterpillars in their burrows with a wire and when this is not pos- 
sible, resort is had to carbon bisulfid, which is injected into the burrow by 
the aid of a long nosed oil can and the opening is then closed with putty. 



52 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



COTTONY MAPLE TREE SCALE INSECT 

Pulvinaria imiumerabilis Rathv, 

Maples and occasionally elms suffer severely at times from the attacks 
of this scale insect. A few full grown individuals are represented in the 
accompanying figure. The in'-ect may be recog- 
nized by its brownish scale at one end of a large 
white cottony mass. In bad attacks, the insects 
may form festoons along the under side of the 
smaller limbs. 

Remedies. Like the elm bark louse this species 
obtains its food by suction from the underlying 
tissues and therefore can not be poisoned. The 
cottony mass covering the body of the female 
protects her from contact insecticides, conse- 
quently little can be done till the unprotected 
young appear in July, when spraying with kero- 
sene emulsion or whale oil soap solution will be 
found most effective. 

VALUE OF OUR NATIVE BIRDS 

The valuable services rendered by our native 
birds should be more generally recognized. It is 
a matter of record that after the introduction of 
the English sparrow, most of our native birds 
were driven from the cities and that the tus- 
sock moth caterpillars, previously hardly noticed 
as pests, became destructive. It is very true that prior to the intro- 
duction of the English sparrow, a measuring worm had been a pest 
in various cities, but this is an additional proof of the effect birds may 
have upon insect life. In the same way there are a number of birds 
known to j^rey on the tent caterpillars and were these friends of man 
accorded the protection and encouragement they deserve, instead of 
being hunted and driven away, it is very probable that the ravages of 
these pests would be much less severe than at present. Robins, orioles, 
chipping sparrows, cat birds, cuckoos, the red eyed, white eyed and 
warbling vireos, cedar birds and nuthatches have been observed feeding 
on forest tent caterpillars by Miss Soule. " The nuthatches would stand 
by a patch of larvae lying close together below a tar band on a tree 
and eat so voraciously and with such an entire abandonment of self- 
consciousness that I could go close and put my hand on them before 
they would fly. This experience was repeated several times." « The 




Fig. 8 Cottony maple tree 
scale insect. 



«Weed, C. M. New Hampshire agricultural experiment station. Bulletin 64. April 18 
(cites and quotes Miss Soule) 



SHADE TREE PESTS 



53 



value of birds in keeping other pests under control is also strikingly 
shown in the experiment conducted by Mr E. H. Forbush, ornithologist 
of the Massachusetts board of agriculture. In a typical orchard at 
Medford, Mass., a little trouble was taken to attract the native birds, 
the nests of the English or house sparrow being destroyed. The results 
were greatly in favor of protecting our indigenous forms. In the neigh- 
boring orchards it was evident that canker worms and tent caterpillars 
were very numerous, but in the orchard in question, the trees were 
seriously injured in only one or two instances, though no attempt was 
made to control the insects by spraying or other artificial means. 

Our native birds are undoubtedly of great value and will richly repay 
any slight effort that may be made for the purpose of attracting them to 
a locality. Winter birds may be induced to remain in a neighborhood 
by hanging in the trees pieces of meat or partially picked bones, and 
will spend much time in searching out and devouring numerous insects 
and their eggs, relying on the meat only when conditions are unfavorable 
for obtaining insect foot. Migratory birds may be induced to remain in 
larger numbers in a locality by providing them with suitable nesting 
places and materials, and by protecting them from cats and cruel bo)s. 
Thickets in the vicinity will afford shelter for ceitain species and if a few 
mulberry trees are set out, their fruit will serve to protect cherries, as 
the birds are said to eat the mulberries by preference. Most of these 
suggestions are taken from a very practical paper by Mr Forbush. 

SPRAYING TREES 

Though it is rather costly to spray trees in a thorough manner, in the 
case of the elm leaf beetle at least, it is much more satisfactory than 
any other method of fighting the pest and possesses the additional 
advantage of also controlling other leaf feeding species. 

Rules for spraying. Apply the poisonous mixture at the time the 
insects begin to feed and on the part of the tree eaten. To control the 
elm leaf beetle it is best to spray once after the leaves have partly 
unfolded in order to kill the beetles before they can deposit many eggs, 
and a second time early in June for the purpose of destroying the grubs 
hatching from eggs laid by stray beetles. The second spraying must be 
on the under surface of the leaves because the grubs eat only the more 
tender under portions. They grow so rapidly and their development is 
affected to so great an extent by local conditions that the proper time for 
treatment must be determined largely by observation. If the eggs of the 
white marked tussock moth have not been removed,' as advised on a 
preceding page, the caterpillars can be destroyed by spraying the latter 



54 NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 

part of May or early in June, and, as in the case of the ehii leaf beetle, 
it is advisable to throw the poison on the under surface of the leaves, 
since the very young caterpillars rarely break the upper epidermis. The 
same treatment is also very effective in the case of tent caterpillars, and 
in each case will be found valuable in proportion to its thoroughness. 
The aim of the operator should be to cover every leaf evenly with a mist 
like coating of the poisonous mixture. Spray till the leaves begin to drip 
but no more. 

Proper apparatus. In order to do this work successfully one must 
possess a force pump capable of throwing a stream some distance, 
a number of feet of hose and a nozzle which will discharge a rather fine 
spray. There must also be something to hold the poisonous mixture, 
while a ladder facilitates the work greatly. 

One of the best arrangements for hand work is most probably found 
in the spraying outfit mounted on wheels, so that it can be readily moved 
from place to place (plate 4). In most cases this takes the form of a box 
or barrel to which a force pump is firmly attached, and either provided 
with wheels or else designed to be placed in a wagon. In spraying tall 
trees 25 to 50 or more feet of | or | inch hose should be provided, 
while the addition of a brass or iron and brass extension 10 to 25 feet 
long adds materially to the value of the apparatus. It is also necessary 
to have a good nozzle which will not clog, but will produce a fine spray and 
which can be quickly adjusted to throw a coarse spray some distance if 
necessary. Such an outfit is of great service to any individual having con- 
siderable spraying to be done and undoubtedly it could be used to 
advantage by those desiring to make a business of spraying in a small 
way, as for example the treating of trees here and there for those in cities 
desiring their trees sprayed and not willing to purchase the necessary 
apparatus. 

In the extended work against this insect conducted by cities and 
villages, it is desirable to have apparatus that will admit of more rapid 
work. This has led to the refitting of retired fire engines and the design- 
ing of more or less cumbersome outfits for this purpose. In all cases these 
makeshifts have been successful, though they are not so satisfactory in 
operation as those specially fitted for the purpose. Probably the best 
apparatus yet designed for spraying trees is that constructed under 
the direction of Dr E. B. Southwick, entomologist of the depart- 
ment of public parks of the city of New York, which is the 
form used in Albany. The whole outfit is represented in plate 5. It 
consists of a " Daimler" gasoline motor operating a Gould force pump — 
the motor and pump weighing but 300 pounds can be placed in the 



SHADE TREE PESTS 55 

bottom of a spring wagon along with the loo-gallon tank containing the 
poisonous mixture. This motor has the advantage of being almost noise- 
less in operation and is scarcely noticed by passing horses. It is very 
inexpensive to operate, as a gallon of gasoline is sufficient for a day and 
it requires little attention. The smallest size Gould 3-piston pump is the 
one used with the motor, though Dr Southwick now recommends a 
larger one in order to utilize the power more fully. This apparatus, with 
the tank, 400 ft of f in. rubber hose and other necessary fittings, can be 
bought for $475. Other engines and pumps could undoubtedly be used 
and would give good results. This power can easily supply four lines of 
hose, though in Albany not more than two can be used to advantage in 
most places. 

Mr P. C. Lewis, of Catskill, N. Y., who was in charge of the spraying 
in Albany in 1898, had several interesting devices for saving time and 
increasing the efficiency of the work. He designed a modified steplad- 
der, about 16 feet high with platforms for two men and on two of its 
legs there are small wheels which permit ready removal from place to 
place. It is so constructed that it can be folded up and drawn behind 
the wagon when some distance is to be traversed. He also had in con- 
stant use a metal extension 25 feet long. The lower portion is composed 
of larger tubing, thus making it stififer and at the same time rendering it 
easier to handle because the greater part of the weight is near the 
operator. This extremely long extension is suspended by a rope from 
the top of the modified stepladder in such a manner that the man has only 
to guide the stream. This arrangement does away with all climbing, as 
it was found impracticable to attempt to reach the tops of the taller trees. 
In many instances the huge steps could be placed in the middle of the 
street and the trees on both sides sprayed either from the steps or from 
the ground. 

Arsenical compounds. These are effective against insects which 
devour portions of a plant and of value only when placed where they 
will be eaten. The following formulae are recommended: 

Paris green i pound 

Quicklime i pound 

Water 1 00-300 gallons 

London purple i pound 

Quicklime 2-3 pounds 

Water 100-300 gallons 

The more common proportion is at the rate of i pound of the poison 
to 150 gallons of water, and less should be used on the more tender 
foliage hke that of the peach or there may be serious injury. For the 



56 



NEW YORK STATE MUSEUM 



elm leaf beetle, use i pound of the poison to loo gallons of water. The 
addition of lime is not necessary, specially with paris green, but is a wise 
precaution as it neutralizes any free arsenic acid and thus prevents 
burning of the foUage. 

Another substance which has received high praise and may come into 
general use after its good qualities become better known, is the arsenate 
of lead. The value of this compound as an insecticide has been brought 
out by numerous experiments, made in the extensive work against the 
gypsy moth. One advantage is that it can be applied in very large 
quantities without injuring the foliage. When properly prepared, it 
remains for some time suspended in the water, imparting a milky color, 
and also adheres to the leaves much longer than either paris green or 
london purple, and it promises to be of special value against the elm 
leaf beetle on this account. Its whiteness is another advantage, because 
of which, it is readily detected upon green foliage. 

In order to obtain the best results, the poison should be prepared just 
before using, by dissolving ii ounces of acetate of lead (sugar of lead) 
in 4 quarts of water in a wooden pail, and 4 ounces of arsenate of soda 
(5°%) ^" 2 quarts of water in another wooden pail. As the acetate or 
sugar of lead dissolves rather slowly in cold water, the process can be 
hastened by using warm water. The resulting solutions should then be 
poured into the spraying tank containing enough water to give the 
desired proportions. In most cases this will mean turning them into 100 
or 150 gallons of water, or but 80 gallons of water when spraying for the 
elm leaf beetles, though some recommend a larger proportion of the 
poison, and the same amounts to 100 gallons will kill the grubs. 

Contact insecticides. These are substances which kill insects by 
contact and affect only those individuals touched. They are used 
against the elm bark louse, the woolly scale of the maple and other suck- 
ing insects 

Kerosene emulsion is one of the principal contact insecticides and is 
prepared by dissolving ^ pound of hard soap in i gallon of boiling 
water and while it is still hot add 2 gallons of kerosene and emulsity by 
passing it rapidly through a force pump and back into the vessel till it 
assumes a creamy consistency and oil does not rise to the surface. 
Dilute with 9 to 15 parts of water and spray the young hce as they 
appear in the summer. In limestone regions where hard water is the 
rule, better results will probably be obtained by using the sour milk 
emulsion, which is composed of 2 gallons of kerosene and i gallon of 
sour milk emulsified by churning or passing through a pump. A 
mechanical mixture of the two may be used, if desired, with machines 



SHADE TREE PESTS 



57 



now on the market for that purpose. Or a solution of i pound of whale 
oil soap to 4 gallons of water will be found effective. In the use of any 
of these compounds, thoroughness is of first importance. They may be 
sprayed on the insects, applied with brushes or in any other way that is 
convenient, provided the tree is not subjected to such drenching that the 
insecticide used will collect around the trunk and cause serious injury. 

EXPLANATION OF PI^4TES 

Plate I 

Fig. I Elm leaves showing eggs and work of young larvae. 

Fig. 2 Elm leaf beetle (x2). 

Fig. 3 Vertical and lateral view of eggs, very much enlarged. 

Fig. 4 Young larva, very much enlarged. 

Fig. 5 Full grown larva (X5). 

Plate 2 

Fig. I Leaf showing holes eaten by elm leaf beetle. 
Fig. 2 Leaf skeletonized by elm leaf beetle grubs. 
Fig. 3 Females of elm bark louse, slightly enlarged. 

Plate 3 

Fig. I Maple tree borer, Plagionotiis speciosus. 

Fig. 2 Elm borer, Saperda trideiitata. 

Fig. 3 Work of elm borers, Saperda and N'eoclyfiis. 

Plate 4 
Hand spraying outfit in operation. 

Plate 5 

Power spraying outfit in operation. 



iMate 1 




Elm leaf Beetle 
(After Howard [Division Entomology]. U. S. Department agriculture. 

Year book, lS9a) 



Plate 2 




Fii:;. 3 Females of elm bark lonse (slightly enlarged) 










"i^^m 



Fig. 1 Leaf showing holes eaten 
bv elm leaf beetle 



Fig. 2 Work of elm leaf beetle 
larvae 



Plato 





Via. 11 Klni Tree liorer 




Flis. 1 Manle tree borer 






Fiji'. 3 Work ot borers 



Plate 4 




Hand spraying outfit in operation 



INDEX 



The superior figures toll the exact place on the page in ninths; e. g. 
22^ means page 22, beginning in the third ninth of the page, i. e. about 
one third of the way down. 



Apple ti-ee tent caterpillar, 46°. 
aniericana, Clisiocaiupa, 4G\ 

Bark borers, 41'. 

Birds, native, value of, 52'-53''. 

Borers in trunk and limbs, 49=. 

Canker worms controlled by birds, 

53=, 
Clisiocampa aniericana, 4G'. 

dlsstria, 46*. 
columba. Tremex, 50\ 
cunea, Ilyphantria, 48M9\ 
Curculios, grults of, 49^ 51'. 

disstria, Clisiocampa, 46', 

Elm, insects injuring; bark louse, 
46'; borer, 49"; leaf beetle, 44'; 
leopard moth, 50'; pigeon Tremex, 
50'; cottony maple tree scale in- 
sect, 52'; white marked tussock 
moth, 41^ 

Elm bark louse, 46'. 

Elm borer, 49», 51^ 

Elm leaf beetle, 4V, 44-45'*, 46', 5.'}', 
56'. 

Fall web worm, 48^-49'. 
Figures of; 

apple tree tent caterpillar, 47 , 
48^ 

borers, work of, plate 3, fig. 3. 

elm bark louse, plate 2, fig. 3. 

elm leaf beetle, plate 1, plate 2, 
fig. 1, 2. 

forest tent caterpillar, 47=, 4S=. 

hand spraying outfit, plate 4. 



Figures of, (continued) 
leopard moth, 50=. 
n)aple tree scale, cottony, 52=. 
pigeon Tremex, 49=. 
liower spraying outfit, plale 5. 
white marked tussock motli, 42'. 

Galerucella luteola, 44=-45l 
Gossypnria ulmi, 46'. 
<;yi)sy iiiotli. 56^ 

Horse chestnut, white marked tus- 
sock moth injuring, 4P. 
Ilypliantria cunea, 48'-49'. 

innumerabilis, I'uhinaria, .52'. 

Leopard moth, 50"-51". 
leucostigma, Notolophus, 41''-44=. 
Linden, white marked tussock motli 

injuring, 41'-'. 
luteola, Galerucella, 44=-45\ 

Maple, Avhite marked tussock molli 
injuring. 41"; tentcaterpillnrs. If.-'; 
boi-er, 49'; leopard moth, 50^ 
Maple tree borer, 49^ 51^ 
Maple tree scale, cottony, 41*, 52'. 

Notolophus leucostigma, 41'-44=. 
Pigeon Tremex, 50', r,V. 
Plngionotus speciosus, 49'. 
pyrina. Zeuzera, 50". 
Pulvinai-ia iiinunieral)ilis, 52'. 

Remedies and preventives; 

arsenical compounds, spraying 

with, 45^ 47^ 56=. 
bands of cotton, 43^ 48'. 



6o 



INDEX 



Remedies and preventives [continued) 

brushing from tree, 48'. 

carbon bisulfid, 51'. 

destroying egg masses, 43°, 43'- 
44'. 

destroying infested trees, 51^ 

digging out borers, 5F. 

jarring from trees, 48'. 

kerosene emulsion, 48°, 52*, 56". 

killing borers with wire, 51'. 

london purple, 55'. 

maintaining vitality, 51'. 

paris green, 55'. 

plugging trees with sulfur, 45'. 

removing portions of bark, 51°. 

shaving bark and using kero- 
sene emulsion, 51°. 

soft soap and carbolic acid 
wash, 51*. 

sticky bands, 45^ 48'. 

torch, driving caterpillars from 
trees with, 48". 

whale oil soap, 57'. See also 
Spraying trees. 
Remedies and preventives for; 

borers, 51-. 

elm bark louse, 4G'. 

elm leaf beetle, 45^ 53', 56'. 

fall web worm, 49'. 

maple ti'ee scale, cottony, 52'. 



Remedies, etc. (continued) 
tent caterpillars, 47', 54^ 
tussock moth, white marked, 
43', 48°, 53'. See c?so Spray- 
ing trees. 

Saperda tridentata, 49'. 

speciosus, Plagionotus, 49*. 

Spraying trees, apparatus, 54'-55'; 
arsenical compounds, formulas 
for, 55'-5G''; contact insecticides, 
formulas for, 5G''-57-; rules for, 
53°-54'. 

Tent caterpillar, apple tree, 4G'. 
Tent caterpillar, forest, 41', 4G'. 
Tent caterpillars, 4G^-48'; controlled 

by birds, 53-; susceptible to 

arsenical poisons, 54'. 
Tremex columba, 50'. 
tridentata, Saperda, 49'. 
Tussock moth, white marked, 41', 

41\ 41«-44^ 48=. 

ulmi, Gossyparia, 4G'. 

Weevils, grubs of, 49', 51°. 

White marked tussock moth, see 

Tussock moth. 
Wood borers, 41'. 

Zeuzera pyrina, 50'-51'. 



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